Every year is full of challenges and celebrations and 2017 is no different. Before we start 2018, we wanted to take a minute to reflect on the highlights of 2017.

Our vision is to create a space for Des Moines moms to hear and be heard without judgement. Whether you have young kids or school-aged kids, work outside the home or stay home, are single or divorced, we are all just doing our best to raise our kids with love and take care of ourselves!

These stories are a only a sample of Des Moines Moms Blog. Our contributors share personal stories of loss, victory, tips, tricks, and humor. They offer a glimpse of what it looks like to be a mom in Des Moines!

Here are 10 of the most-read posts of 2017

When I grew up in the early 1980s summer days had zero agenda. 

She didn’t look like a drowning victim. She was conscious when she came out of the water, but we still took her to the hospital.

A trip to Target for a double pack of early pregnancy tests revealed that I was pregnant. And 39. 

Are you a crazy person? Maybe. But it might not be your fault.

No more toys! Hopefully these ideas give you some things to think about when shopping for kids.

When prenatal movement patterns change, moms should alert their providers and get checked out.

My first trimester rendered me basically worthless. Here’s a thank you letter to my husband for helping me through it. 

Erin is an infertility survivor, adoption supporter, and celebrator of real-life moms.

Keep the whining at bay with these fun boredom busters to keep everyone occupied.

My Instant Pot might be the best purchase I’ve ever made. Here’s why.